How to handle hats

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr.

How To Handle Hats

By G. H. WOODROW

THE ONLY WORK PUBLISHED ON THIS SUBJECT

An up-lo-date book giving information regarding the

HANDLING
RENOVATING
SELLING
TALKI NG
CLEANING
SHAPING
IRONING and
BLOCKING

HATS

Publiihed by

G. H. WOODROW & COMPANY

32 BROADWAY :: :: NEW YORK. N. Y.

LIBRARY of OCNGRESS
Two OoDies rtecavMi

APR 6 iy05

Guis It A\C Not
COPY S/

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Copytlzhi 1905 W. H. WOOD

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This book is written in such language, that
the man who knows little or nothing of the hat
business can thoroughly understand the terms used
and instructions given; and for this reason I ask
the indulgence of the experienced hatman when he
reads the explanations which to his experienced
knowledge may seem superfluous.

The claims for this book are:

First — It gives the most complete and compre-
hensive description of modern hat making that has
ever been issued in book form; and

Second — It gives more valuable points about
hats; how to get the best results; how to make an
old hat look like new, etc.. etc.. than has ever been
published before.

Third — Ancient History has all been left nut. It
gives what the man of to-day desires to know, viz.,
What is doing to-day, and what to do to-morrow.

Times and conditions change in this progressive
century, and all methods heretofore described in
various publications regarding the manufacture and
making over of hats are as obsolete to-day as a
wooden warship.

In this little treatise I have not thought it best
to use a large flow of words to describe the various
operations — and by that means extend it to large
proportions — but have endeavored to so condense
the instruction and information given to tit
the requirements of a time-saving age; at the same
time not sacrificing clearness and accuracy to that
of brevity.

Should you desire any point explained or wish
further information write the author.
3

How to Handle Hats.

HOW SILK HATS ARE MADE.

Muslin is cut up into lenj^ths of about seven
feet and immersed in "water stiffening," com-
pose.1 of shellac, and stretched on frames to dry.

The muslin used on the brim is heavier than
that used on the
crown, and is
framed four ply ;
one piece being
put on the frame
at a time, then the
whole is patted
and rubbed until
they all stick to-
gether. Medium
and one ply side crown pieces are cut bias, brim
and tip are cut in squares.

The piece for the side crown is cut bias to fit

the block, and the edges are stuck together with

a hot iron, and the block inserted ; as the block

is larger at the tip. than in the band where the

5

MEDIUM IJELL. FIVE-EIGHTHS.
IVORSAY CURL, MEDIUM SET.

b.at fits, it is made in five pieces and used as fol-
lows : First, the
two ends are in-
serted, then the
sides, and the cen-
ter piece last ; the
center piece is lar-
ger at the bottom
than at the top,
the other pieces
HAT IRON ON SHELL. are laro-er at the

top than at the bottom.

There is a maro-in at the top of the side crown
piece wdiich is ironed over on the tip ; the first
ply of the top is now put on — which is a piece
similar to that of the side — and ironed to the side
piece ; a heavier piece is then laid on and ironed
to the first; a square piece of the desired size is
then cut from the material with which to make a
brim, the center of which is cut out.

The inner edge is softened and the piece is
pulled over the crown down to the brimboard ;
the crown and the brim are now joined together
by ironing, being still further strengthened by
ironing a piece of ribbon (stiffened muslin) over
the seam, after which the brim is ironed flat ;
small pieces of stiffened muslin are ironed on to
the front and rear of the upper brim to strength-
6

en it, then the brim is rounded to the required
width.

The side crown is varnished and a piece of un-
stiffened, unbiased musHn is ironed to the first
ply; the whole crown is now varnished and two
pieces of plain muslin are laid together on the
top and ironed fast, after wdiich the whole body
is varnished and dried, receiving two additional
coats of varnish.

The plush is cut into three pieces biased for the
side crown and upper brim, and oval for the tip ;
fhe merino for the under brim is cut square ; the
side crown and the tip are sewn together, leav-
ing an opening at the side crown ; this is termed
the cover. The body, cover, upper and under
brim are now ready ; the finisher takes it and
irons on the underbrim, then trims off the sur-
plus merino at the edges.

The plush is fastened on the upper brim by
wetting it with a sponge, and brushing and iron-
ing it ; the cover is drawn over the body, and
the place of the seam marked. It is then laid on
the bench and the nap brushed back from one
side to prevent it being cut, as it has to be used
later in the operations to hide the seam.

The plush is cut with a long pair of shears, at
the marked place, and the cover is re-drawn over
the body ; the tip and the right side of the seam
stuck with the hot iron ; the left side has a long

nap covering the edge, and when it is skillfully
put together, it completely hides the seam ; it is
stuck by applying the nose of the iron to the edge
of the seam.

The plush is now moistened with a wet sponge
and the nap brushed straight and ironed dry, af-
ter whicli it is again moistened with the sponge,
brushed out and allowed to dry ; then it is ironed
and put in a revolving machine, which is so ad-
justed as to put the hat in contact with a velure ;
this gives it a finish and brings the tip to a good
center.

As previously explained, for the convenience
of handling, the block is made in five pieces ; the
expansion and contraction of the points neces-
sarily leave their impressions on the hat, which
to remove is taken from the block, and on the
poutance and half block is ironed until it is even
and the marks disappear.

A sheet of tissue paper — called a cap — is now
fastened around it, and the "curler" takes and
curls the brim by hand with shackle and iron ;
then places it on a hot baker, until the brim is
soft, then sets it on the setting board.

The trimming of silk hats is somewhat similar
to the operation on the derbys.

If the hats are to be satin lined, or "Stuck lin-
ing," the satin is put on the block at the first
8

operation of making the body ; otherwise the silk
inserted linings are made by the trimmer and
put in.

TO IRON SILK HATS.

To iron or block a silk hat you should have a
poutance and half block (see cut from Mast &
Co.), and tip block, half round iron toliker, vel-
vet lure and brush.

Take the hat to be ironed in your left hand
and with a brim brush tap the edge of the curl
and brush upper brim, always drawing one way,
tapping the outside and brushing the inside until
}'ou have all the dust out ; also tap and brush the
sides and top ; having screw^ed the poutance arm
to counter or bench, and half block put on, turn
out the sw^eat leather of the hat, and put it on the
block ; brush it well with a stiff brush, and then
the lure, drawing towards you all the time. Stand
a little to the right of the poutance, hold the
brim of the hat in your left hand, and begin iron-
ing at the square where the tip and crow^n join,
covering a space of about four inches long and
two inches wide, drawling towards you ; it takes
several strokes of the iron to do this ; while the
place you have been ironing is still hot, take the
half round iron toliker and draw tow^ards you
firmly several times, then repeatedly stroke it
over in the same wav with the lure.
9

Go all around the hat in this manner and then
commence below and go aroimd again until you
reach the band ; then take the hat from the half

m

•OUTANCE WITH HALF BLOCK.

BRIM IRON.

block, turn in the sweat leather, put the hat on

the tip block, brush over with the stiff brush,

then the soft brush to smooth it : hold the hat

10

with the left hand so that the place where you
want to iron will fit the block, then moving the
iron with a circular movement, iron at first about
one-fourth of the tip at one time, then duck-bill
toliker to set it, then take the lure, and liold it on
the top, turning the hat with your left hand on
the brim to the right, the way of the nap.

STIFF BRUSH.

Straighten the nap on the upper brim, and
with a hot brim iron apply it to the upper brim,
drawing towards you, holding the hat by the
brim in }'our left hand ; finish by ironing the
square of the hat while holding it in your hand ;
then go over the sides with the lure, drawing
gently towards you.

In case you have marked the binding or band,
touching either or both with the iron, take a wet
sponge and touch it on the iron, then touch the
band or binding, and the mark will disappear.

In the case of the hat being mashed it will have
to be ironed several times over, on the mashed
part, until it is smooth.

To renovate greasv silk hats put about two
11

tablespoonfuls of liquid ammonia in a tumbler
of hot water, mop the greasy places with the so-
lution with a sponge, until the spots disappear ;
then go over the hat with plenty of clean, warm
water ; then with a stiff brush, brush the nap out
straio;ht and drv, then iron.

RUFFLED SILK HAT.

In case a silk hat is nmch ruffled and the nap
matted down by being carried in a hat box or
otherwise, first brush out the dust, then go over
it with a wet sponge, drawing it towards you the

r.KlM BRUSH.

way of the nap ; then with a brush straighten the
nap, after which dry it on the cleaning machine,
or in a warm place ; when dry, brush nap out
and iron.

SILK HAT POLISH.

Dissolve one ounce of Parafine wax in four
ounces of benzine. To use this, have a small hat
lure like those thev give awav with silk hats,
"^12

moisten the lure well with the solution and go
all over the hat. crown and brim, drawing the
lure in the same direction as the nap.

This plan will sometimes act as a substitute
for ironing- where the hat is not broken ; it is
quickly done.

This process is good for new hats in stock
when the nap has become wavy.

Be careful not to use too much of the fluid.

Put it on the hat cleaning machine and polish
with a cloth, as with derbys.

TO PUT OX MOURNING BANDS.

To put on the mourning bands which are fast-
ened by a clasp is simple ; vou need only follow
the directions on the box.

The broadcloth mourning band which is
seamed, requires a little more care : take the num-
ber, one, two or three, as indicated on the box,
then take the band in both hands and put it over
the tip and work it down to the band, drawing
it with a circular movement around the crown
and going graduall}' downwards until you reach
the brim, having the seam to the left side, on
same side the bow is. Then smooth the hat over
with the lure.

i;3

REMOVING GREASE SPOTS.

For removing little spots of stiffening on stiff
hats have a bottle of alcohol with a small piece
of a sponge at the end of the cork ; touch the
place with alcohol, rub it with your finger nail
or the end of a file, then wash the place with the
cork wet with alcohol.

For greasy bindings, rub them with a woolen
rag wet with benzine.

THE OPERA HAT.

The opera hat in many respects is like a silk
one, as the brim and tip are made of similar ma-
terials, viz., muslin stiffened with shellac.

It has a frame consisting of two steel rings,
four springs, and four upright ribs hinged in
the center; this is the arrangen^ent tliat makes it
possible to open and close it.

It is generally covered and lined with black
corded silk.

It requires an expert to fix one of these hats
when anything is broken, but if the brim gets
out of shape, which is frequently the case, it can
be properly adjusted by heating it until soft and
working it with the fingers, or on a setting board,
which is simply a thick board formed to fit the
underside of a derby, silk, or opera hat; use the
foot tolicker like conforming.
14

If the silk is badly creased b}' being closed for
a considerable time, open, and dampen it all over
with a wet sponge, and let it remain open until
dry, when all the creases will be gone.

If the tip gets out of shape, put it on the tip
block and iron it, having a cloth between the
iron and the hat.

HOW FUR HATS ARE :MADE.

, Fur felt hats are made from the furs of vari-
ous animals, the principal ones of which are the
Beaver, Nutria or Coypou, Muskrat, Otter, Hare
and Rabbit.

Beaver is the most valuable fur, but very few
hats are made from it entirely. Next in value is
the Nutria, afterwards the Otter, Muskrat, Hare
and Rabbit respectively.

The quality of the fur varies according to the
location on the body of the animal ; on such wa-
ter animals as the Beaver, Nutria, Muskrat and
Otter, the belly contains the finest fur; while
from the backs of such land animals as the hare
and rabbit the best fur is obtained.

The skins of these animals are stretched and
dried, and the dirt thoroughly brushed out of
them.

Some of these skins are "carroted," that is to
say, they are laid on a table fur uppermost, and
15

a nitrate of mercury solution, consisting of quick-
silver, nitric acid and water, is applied with a
stiff brush to the fur.

The skins are then laid in pairs fur sides to-
gether, and placed in a drying room until the de-
sired effect is produced on the fur.

The object of "carroting" is to hasten the pro-
cess of shrinkage or felting ; some grades of fur
cannot be made into a hat without first being
"carroted."

After the skins have been "carroted," they are
brushed to make the hair lie all in one direction,
after which they are put through a machine,
wdiich is so adjusted that it pulls out all the long-
coarse hairs, leaving the finer hair attached to
the skin.

In the next process the skins are placed in the
fur cutting machine, which shaves the skin from
the hair, leaving the fur all intact, and in that
condition is carried onto a revolving apron, the
skin in the meantime having fallen below in
small shreds.

Very few, however, of the hat manufacturers
cut the skins, as they prefer to purchase the fur
from the hatters' furriers.

The fur is of various grades and packed in
five pound bags and marked accordingly. Thus
we have the W. C. Beaver (white carrot), Tri-
ple Ring Prime Back ( B. H. B.), Best Hare
IG

Backs (B. C B.), Best Coney Backs (C. B.),
Coney Backs, and other grades.

Experience has demonstrated that the best re-
sults are obtained by mixing various grades ; if
all carroted fur (stock) were used, a soft open
felt would be the result, therefore raw stock (un-
carroted) is mixed with carroted stock, in vari-
ous proportions and grades, to make the desired
quality of felt.

To make felt that is generally used in hats that
retail at five dollars pnr ifinnnw and upwards,
Beaver and Nutria are mixed with Hare in right
proportions ; while for the cheaper grades of
hats a mixture of Hare, Coney Backs and Filling
(ground roundings and small pieces) are used.

On account of the high price of Nutria, it can-
not be mixed with Hare Backs or other grades
to make up into hats that sell to the retailer at
fifteen dollars per dozen, although only a short
time ago I saw a retail salesman offer a customer
a soft hat (Nutria color) for $2.25, declaring it
was clear belly Nutria.

After the fur is cut, as previously explained,
it is blown by means of a revolving brush into
a long wooden box divided into six or more com-
partments : this box has revolving aprons ingen-
iously arranged, so that the fur is automatically
and correctly graded ; as the fur travels along
with this apron, the pieces clotted with blood
17

(which are called dags) and small pieces of skin
fall by gravity into the first compartment ; the
long thick hairs are carried and drop into the
next compartment, and so on, until the last one
is reached. By this operation all of the fur h-:^s
been graded according to quality, the last being
the best and finest grade.

In order for the manufacturer to get at the
cost of each lot of hats he is making, he figures
up the price of each mixing. Suppose he takes
five pounds of this, ten pounds of the other, and
fifteen pounds of another kind and mixes them
altogether, thus making a thirty pound "mix-
ing." He figures out the cost of each grade and
adds them together, divides the number of
pounds into the total cost, and the result is a
net cost per pound ; by this means the manufact-
urer can tell approximately what each hat will
cost him, and vv'ill therefore put in as good a
stock as possible for the price at which the hats
are to be sold.

The mixing is done by a process of blowing,
so that each fibre of each grade is thoroughly
blown into and twined and intertwined, with the
fibres of all the grades, thus making an abso-
lutely uniform quality.

The fur is now ready to be made up into felt,
and supposing it is desired to make a four ounce
hat, the plan would be as follows : the operator
18

has a box containing' twelve compartments, and
into each compartment he puts four ounces of
the fur, thus having a correctly divided material
for one dozen hats, which is now ready for the
"Former."

The "Fur Former" is a machine into which
the fur is put, and by a mechanical arrangement
forms it into the shape of a cone preparatory to
being made into felt ; this is done as follows : at
the front of the machine is a revolving feed
apron, which connects with a four sided box, at
the end of which is a cylinder-shaped chamber
with doors, inside of which there is a revolving
table, which carries a perforated copper cone, on
which the body is formed : to this is connected
an exhaust fan or blower to draw the fur onto
the cone.

A feeder stands at the revolving a])ron with a
box containing one dozen hats, and an(^ther oper-
ator stands at the opposite end and places the
cone on the revolving table and closes the door
of the cylinder chamber. The feeder places on
the revolving apron the stock for one hat, which
is carried through the four-sided box into the
cylinder chamber, w^here, by the action of the
suction fan, the fur is drawn all around the per-
forated copper cone and is held there in close
contact by the forced suction ; the operaor then
opens the doors and throws a wet cloth on the
19

now fur covered cone and immediately wraps a
second cloth around it, and puts a funnel-shaped
tin cover over it, then dips the cone, fur, etc.,
into hot water, where they remain for about one
minute ; while this is being done a second opera-
tor places another cone on the revolving table,
and the same process is repeated.

When the operator takes the cone, fur, etc.,
out of the water, he places it on a bench, removes
the tin cover and cloths, inverts the cone, loosens
the edges of the fur, and the newly formed hat
falls on the bench like a wet bag.

Another operator, called the Hardener, now
takes it in hand and squeezes out the water, opens
it out flat, and taking several of them together,
rolls and unrolls them many times in woolen
cloths to harden or "fix" them ; in case there are
any thin ])laces he covers them with additional
fur ; they are now ready for the sizer.

If they are intended to be sized by hand
(as all finer grades generally are) the sizer
takes three hats at a time to the sizing kettle,
which consists of a trough, around which are
several benches sloping towards it ; the kettle is
filled with hot water acidulated. The sizer takes
the three hats and spreads them out flat on a
cloth, one on top of each other ; he then sprinkles
hot water over them, and makes them into a roll
covered with the cloth ; he rolls them and un-
20

folds them many times or until they have shrunk
to about one-half their original size.

FIRST SHAPE. THE FORMED BODY.

This process has to be very carefully done,
because if in the operation the edges (sides) get
stuck, there will be a streak in the finished hat,
21

running from tip to brim, and known to the trade
as a "lightning rod."

When they have been manipulated until they
are down to within two inches of the size re-
quired, they are then dried, and shaved, either
by hand or machine (machine has revolving
knives, like a lawn mower), and again rolled up,
this time, however, singly, and without any cloth.
This is called second sizing, and leather or wood
pads, called gloves, are used, as they make firmer
felt.

It is necessary for the body to be reduced to
a certain measurement or size, and when this is
accomplished the process is complete.

THE SIZED BODY.

The process of sizing by machinery is some-
what different. The "forms" are rolled in cloth
and taken by two men, who operate a machine

called a "'starting machine," which contains rap-
idly revolving rollers, and which is placed over
a trough filled with hot water, and are folded
and put through the rollers many times, until
they are reduced a few inches each way ; after
which thev are passed on to the sizers, who work
on similar but smaller machines, where they are
reduced or shrunk to the required size ; this is
the plan adopted usually for the medium and low
grade hats.

Thus far the process is similar for both soft
and stiff hats ; as the soft hats are heavier, how-
ever, it is necessary that they have in them more
"stock."

The hat is now dried and is ready for stiffen-
ing— and at this point the difference between the
finishing of the soft and stiff hat begins.

To-day the derby hats are stiffened with wine,
or alcohol stiffening, wdiich is composed chiefly
of shellac dissolved in alcohol.

There are two stiffening machines, one for the
brims and one for the crowns, each supplied with
a revolving brush to put on the solution ; the
brim is stift"ened on both sides, but the crown is
only stiffened on what will be the inside when
finished.

The body is now dried, and in order to recover
part of the alcohol used in the stiffening, the
hat is put into an oven that has connections with
23

a condenser, and there subjected to steam heat.
When dry the hat is thoroughly brushed, after-
wards dipped in hot water containing a small
amount of soda, then put in a vat of cold water
containing a little acid.

But up to this point the "body" is in the shape
of a small cone, or, more properly speaking, fun-
nel shaped.

The next process is the "tip" (crown) stretch-
ing. This is done by means of a machine having
prongs, in shape something like the bended fin-
gers of your right hand interlocking those of the
left hand. As the machine is revolved by the
operator the motion stretches or widens the top
or crown, which has previously been dipped in
hot water.

The brim stretcher, in the next operation,
works in a similar way, and turns out the brim,
so that the "body" has now the rough appearance
of a hat.

Dyeing follows the above ; to-dav aniline col-
ors are principally used, as vegetable dyes, with
the exception of logwood, are almost out of date.

This dyeing is done by means of a large wood-
en vat having a steam coil in the bottom, to heat
the prepared liquid.

This process takes from two to six hours'
duration, according to color desired, and from
twelve to thirtv-six dozen are treated at one time.
2-i

After being dyed they are well washed, after
which they are ready to be blocked.

They are now taken to a "blocking" machine,
and this is the first process that gives anything
like a hat shape to the embryo hat.

This machine is a very ingenious contrivance ;
it has a large iron frame, in the center of which
is a headpiece, composed of brass prongs, which
expand and contract; it also contains "fingers"
placed around the edge.

The "blocker" adjusts his machine to the de-
sired size, and after immersing the hats in hot
water, takes out one at a time, and puts it on
the machine ; he presses a lever, and the "fingers"
grasp the edge of the brim and pulls it in a cir-
cle ; by means of moving another lever the band,
crown and brim of the hat are formed in one
operation ; while in this position cold water is
poured over the hat, after which the levers are
released, the hat taken out, and thrown into cold
water, to "set" ; it is then put in the hydro-ex-
tractor, after which it is taken to the drying
room.

When it is taken out of the drying room, it is
''squared up" (a stiffening solution applied to
the inside of the crown with a brush), dried and
steam blocked, that is to say, it is put on a wood
block, the exact shape of which it is intended the
hat to be when finished, and steam applied to
2d

shape it and flatten the brim. Afterwards it is
singed by means of a gas flame, brushed with a
revolving brush, and then put into an iron steam
heated oven to soften, preparatory for the hy-
draulic press. This press is strongly built of
iron, with pump connections, and has a lever-
locking appliance.

The hat thus softened by heat is put into the
mold, and a tin brim plate adjusted to the brim,
then the press is closed and locked and the water
turned on and kept under a pressure of about 500
pounds for about two minutes, after which it is
taken out, its surface is then free from wrinkles,
and is ready for "finishing."

This "finishing" process is sometimes done in
two operations, as follows : the brim is sandpa-
pered first on a "brimmer," and then "lured,"
after which the crown is finished on a lathe,
which consists of an upright revolving spindle
with an iron plate containing two upright pins
for the block to fit on.

The Finisher puts the hat on the block, and
starts the lathe, holding a piece of sandpaper
in each hand on the hat until it is smooth. He
then "lures" it with a "lure" and grease, hold-
ing the "lure" on a hot iron or heater, then press-
ing it gently on the hat while it is revolving. He
also uses the sandpaper and "lure" after the

lathe has stopped.

26

The next process after finishing and exami-
nation by the Foreman, is to round the brim to
the desired width, which is done as follows : the
hat is put on a machine which fits firmly on the
inside near the brim ; a lever with a knife and
gauge is passed around the brim and the uneven
and superfluous width cut ofif. Some hats ( flex-
ibles) are now "edge stififened," that is, a solu-
tion of stiffening is put on the edge of the brim
to strengthen it.

The hats are now ready for the "curler." He
puts it in a revolving plate, which heats the edge
of the brim ready for the "edging up n:achine,"
wdiich turns over the Qdge and irons it down the
same as is done by the shackle and shell, by
hand ; they are then matriced, being first put on
a hot baker to soften the brim..

The matrice ( which is an iron formed in two
parts, to the exact shape the brim is intended to
be) is put into a hydraulic matricing press, made
especially for the brims, on which the hat is put,
afterwards the press is closed and pressure ap-
plied.

The "curler" then takes the matrice contain-
ing the hat from the press and removes it by tak-
ing one-half off at a time ; this has to be done
before it is quite cold, otherwise the shape will
be spoiled.

The next operator takes it, and with the curl
27

planes and sandpaper makes the edges of the
curl smooth and of the required width.

The hats are now ready to be trimmed ; this
consists of sewing- on the band and binding and
putting in the sweat leather.

Bindings on stiff hats to-day are mostly what
are called ''reversed," that is, they are put on
the upper brim first by machine or hand, selvage
edge outward, turned over and stitched by hand ;
they are then brushed with a revolving soft
brush, ''lured," and any small defects remedied,
after which they are wrapped in tissue paper
and packed in boxes.

Soft hats are stiffened with a water solution
of shellac (which is in lieu of the alcohol solu-
tion used on stiff hats). They are dipped in this
solution brim downwards as far as the intended
width of the brim, then passed through iron roll-
ers, taken out and dved like stiff" hats.

SOFT HATS.

There is a difference in the treatment of soft
and stiff hats after they are dyed.

The better grades of soft hats are blocked by

hand in hot water by pulling them over a wood

block, after which a cord is put around the band,

and the brim pulled flat ; then thev are dried, and

28

taken to the pouncing- room, where they are
passed through a machine containing small roll-
ers covered with fine sandpaper, which takes off
the coarse hairs, making them short and close,
like cloth ; this operation is confined to the brim.

The crown is "pounced" on a round block re-
volving on a lathe, and "squared" up, that is to
say, a little stiffening of gum is applied to one
side of the crown, that'fSmt which is to be the
inside when the hat is finished.

They are then taken to the drying room, after
which they are ready for finishing.

The finisher takes the hat and pulls it over the
proper size block, and ties a cord around the bot-
tom to hold it to its place, and it is then ironed
either by hand or machine.

The operation of the ironing machine is as
follows : the operator places the block on the ma-
chine, which revolves in a horizontal position,
after which he moistens the hat with a wet brush,
and then applies the hot iron — which is heated by
gas and operated by a lever and weights — which
travels automatically over the hat.

The hat is then removed from the machine and
"pounced" either by hand or lathe, and "lured."
The brim is pressed out with a hot shell and
"pounced" — using fine sandpaper for the pur-
pose. This is done by hand or machine, then
"lured," when it is readv to be "curled."
29

"Curling" is turning- the tdgt over ; this is also
done by hand or machine ; the machine for the
purpose has a round-edged wheel and guide, a

LL'KI.ING SHACKLE.

part of the machine being heated. The operator
wets the edge of the brim and passes it through
the machine as though he was binding it. When
"curling" is performed by hand it is usually
done with a hot shackle, similar to ironing.

OI.TMHIA STS'LE, liOSS RAW EDGE.

Soft hats, instead of being "curled." are some-
times steamed over a flange or wood niould,
30

which is made the exact shape the brim is intend-
ed to be.

The hats with high curled brims, also those
turned up ver}- much benmd and down in front,
and crushers, are shaped in this manner ; this
process is called steam flanging.

Hats that are "curled" have to be "i'langed,"
that is, put on a wood form, which has the shape
of the brim desired. They are put on this form,
brim uppermost, when it (the brim) is moulded
into shape, by means of a hot bag of sand, which
is hung by a rope and pulley and which is made
to rise and fall upon the brim ; this operation
gives it a close finish.

Generally, soft hats are "flanged" after being
trimmed ; then they are taken to the packer, who
remedies any little defects, and softens or mel-
lows up the hat if it is too stifif, b}- squeezing it
and shaking the brim. Nearlv all fine grades
are mellowed in this manner.

HAT CURLS.

The "curl" is the edge of the brim turned up
or over ; a flat, straight brim has no "curl" ; a
soft hat with the edge of the brim rolled over is
called a "boss raw-edge curl" if unbound ; if
the brim is not set up the w^ord "boss" defines
the "curl."

31

A stiff hat curl rounded at the edge is called
a ''roll curl," while a curl which turns at a
straight angle is called a ''D'Orsay curl," and
measures half an inch, three-quarters, etc. ; and
thus you say "half-inch D'Orsay," or "three-
quarter roll," as the case may be.

Measure the "curl" with the slide rule at the
side, the width of the turn is the size of the curl.

LIGHT-COLORED SOFT HATS.

Soft hats in light colors having soiled or blem-
ished places on them can be made to look fresh
by touching over the places with a piece of num-
ber seven nought sandpaper, until the soiled place
is removed, as follows :

First rub a little chalk over the soiled spot and
then take a piece of the sandpaper about three by
four inches in size and use it on the brim, and
brush and tap with brush handle if any chalk re-
mains ; repeat the operation if necessary.

If the soiled place is on the crown, place the
hat on a block smaller than itself ; or in lieu of a
block hold a folded piece of tissue paper to the
place on the inside, then use chalk and sandpaper
as above mentioned.

Sandpapering light-colored hats gives a new
lustre to them.

32

SOFT HATS HAVING CREASE MARKS.

In the case of a soft hat having a deep mark
or crease, caused by pacing or otherwise, insert
the stretch block, and where it is most dented
pack with tissue paper, until it looks smooth ;
then wet the place over with a clean, wet sponge,
drawing the way of the nap, then let it dry and
it will be all right.

Do not use the same sponge for light hats that
has been used for black ones.

If the marks on the hats from being packed
are only slight, they may be removed by wetting
your thumb and rubbing on the line.

GREASE SPOTS.

If the soiled place is grease, get a little benzine
in a tin, or cup, and with a piece of cloth rub it
on the grease spot. If the grease is on the brim
you must moisten it all over with the cloth dip-
ped in the benzine, otherwise it will stain the hat ;
then let dry in a warm place.

The same process applies to crown, also to
worn hats. In using the benzine Jare must be
taken to keep it away from a flame of any kind.

33

PUTTING A NEW LUSTRE ON STIFF
HATS.

For blacks, put them on the electric Hat Clean-
ing Machine (see cover), and apply brush to re-

BRUSH TO USE WITH CLEANING MACHINE.
34

move dust ; afterwards take a piece of dark cloth
about eighteen inches long by six wide, hold op-
posite end in each hand ; begin operation at band,
and work to crown with light pressure.

For black hats the cloth may be slightly
greased.

For Hght-colored hats take a clean, wet sponge,
and after removing dust with a brush, hold the
hat in the left hand, and go over it evenly with
a movement drawing towards you, beginning at
the band and working upwards to the center of
the tip ; then put it on the electric Hat Cleaning
Machine to dry ; when dry, take a clean cloth and
use as for blacks.

If you do not have a machine, put the hat on
a rack, or shelf, until dry, then smooth it over
with tissue paper, or a piece of clean muslin ;
adopt this plan on the blacks in case you have
no machine.

Treat the brim in the same way with the wet
sponge, then put on the Electric Hat Cleaning
Machine to dry, or in lieu thereof put on a shelf.

CREASING SOFT HATS.

Hold the hat in the left hand crown upper-
most, front facing you, finger inside, thumb out-
side ; put vour right hand in the same position in-
35

side at the rear ; press outward with the end of
the fingers of both hands, and you can then
crease the hat in a straight hue from point to
point.

When you can do this quickly before a cus-
tomer it pleases him immensely, and he at once
desires to know how it is done, and will of course
appreciate the favor if you show him how to do
it, and will no doubt inform his friends, stating
he has learned it from vou.

TO DENT A HAT.

To dent a hat make a circular movement with
the end of your finger in the place you desire the
dent ; if it is to be brought to a point, lay the hat
on its brim on the counter and with both hands
pinch up to point desired.

TO TELESCOPE.

To telescope, run down the crown to height
desired, put the hat, crown downwards, on the
counter and place your hand inside ; begin in
center with a circular movement, and press
crown fiat to counter. You can make this crease
still neater by putting the stretch block inside
the inner fold and expanding it until the folds

are close together.

36

HAT SIZE— TO ASCERTAIN..

Comparatively few people understand how the
size number of a hat — say seven, or seven and
one-eighth — is obtained.

We follow the English method, which is as
follows : The hat is measured from front to rear
inside, which for illustration we will say is seven
and three-quarters inches ; then measured from
side to side, which, suppose, is six and one-quar-
ter inches ; the two lengths are added together,

;lide rule.

making fourteen inches, which, if divided by
two, makes seven inches ; this would be the size
of the hat according to English measurement.

This plan is adopted in the United States, with
the exception that one-eighth (or one size) is
added ; therefore, for this country, the hat men-
tioned above would be seven and one-eighth.

If you will notice, all imported hats (unless
specially marked) are one size larger — according
to the size marked — than ours.

This rule applies to all hats. ^Measure the
length from front to rear inside where the head

MEASURING RING.

fits, then the width, from side to side, and add
the two together, and divide by two, then add
one size.

You will understand that hats can also be
measured with the brass rings sold for that pur-
pose (see cut).

WEIGH OUTS.

In the manufacture of hats the term "Weigh
Out" is ver}' common. For example, I cite the
following : before the process of forming is be-
gun, the material is "weighed out." and some-
38

times this is "light" or scant weight; and thus
has originated the phrase in the trade to define
a man about whom you want to speak sHghtingly,
and you say, "He was weighed out Hght."

It is also applied when a workman gets a doz-
en or more hats to work on, and the term is used
that "he has got his weigh out," instead of the
usual term that he has "received work," although
the hats may not have been weighed at all.

Another feature regarding hat operatives is
that in case his wages amount to twenty dollars
and thirty cents, he is paid the twenty dollars,
The thirty cents goes over until the following
week. Whenever an operative receives his "odd
change" he has been either discharged or is leav-
ino- on his own accord.

ROUND CROWN DERBY FLATISH SET.

That like cut is flatish set ; brim can be set a
little higher, then it would be called medium set ;
raised still higher, it would be called well set

39

TO SET AND FLATTEN THE BRIM OF A
DERBY.

You can set up the brim of a derby by heating
and putting it on the setting board and working
up the sides with your fingers.

You can flatten the brim of a derby b^• heat-
ing it and putting half of the brim on the coun-

FOOT TOLICKER. ilC>Sl<i<l <i0VV7l)

ter or bench, using foot toHcker ; then turn the
other half around and repeat the operation ; also
working it a little into the shape desired with
your fingers, keeping it warm all the time.

TO EYELET A HAT.

To eyelet a hat, measure the distance from the
brim to where you want the eyelet, then with a
tapering three-cornered file punch a hole through
and ream with the file until it is large enough to
squeeze the eyelet in ; there are punches and cut-
ters sold for this purpose.
40

STRETCHING SOFT HATS.

Stretching soft hats can he clone with the
stretch block ; in doing this make it a loose fit,
so it will contract a little afterwards.

STRETCHING DERBY.

Derbys must be heated before attempting to
stretch them, and even then they cannot be
stretched as mnch as soft hats.

STRETCHING SILK HAT.

Silk hats can be stretched but very little, and
it takes some skill to do it. They must be heated
like derbys.

To take the curl or set out of a soft hat, or
turn down the front, dampen it, and pass a hot
iron over it, or hold it to anything warm, and pull
and set it as vou desire.

CONFORMING HATS.

The use of the conformateur is to change the
shape of the hat oval at the band, in order to fit
the head of a customer, and yet change other con-
ditions of the hat as little as possible.
41

The difficulty in conformating is to keep the
brim smooth and in its original shape.

The beginner should be very cautious not to
soften or heat the hat too much.

CONFORMATEUK TO TAKE SHAPE OF HEAD.

Very long: or very wide heads cause trouble

in conforming.

In the first place, use the head piece as per cut,

and put a piece of paper behind the spring in

the lid ; then put the head piece on customer's

head, and see that all the pins are in line; bring

42

down the lid ; take the scissors, and cut out on
the line of the pin holes, and you have the im-
pression.

Do not tell the customer that this is the shape
of his head, because it is not, although fully
ninety per cent, of the retail salesmen will assert
to the contrary.

SHAPE OF A CUSTOMER'S HEAD.

If you desire to show the customer the exact
shape of his head, put the formillion — after being
set to his conform^ — on a piece of paper and
draw a pencil line around it ; cut it out and you
have his head shape.

You can reduce this with a compass if de-
sired.

Next put this paper impression on the two
pins of the formilion, or shaping block ; have the
screws all loose and the keys open ; press the
keys carefully up to the paper impression, and
tighten the screws.

If you desire the size "full," put the brass ring
over the keys ; then take the hat and heat the
brim, especially that part near the sweat leather,
being careful not to heat it too much ; take a
handful of packing tissue, or a pad about two
inches thick stuffed with cotton (if made to fit a
seven and three-eights hat it will fill any size)
and put it into the crown of the hat.

FORMILLION TO SHAPE THE HAT ON.

The object of this is to prevent the heat from
softening the crown, and thus retain its shape.
Having heated the brim of the hat over a stove,
radiator, or a gas jet burning under a sheet of
tin, put it on the formilHon, and with the foot
toHcker press the upper brim well all around to
free it from wrinkles. Remove it from the for-
milHon before it gets quite cold ; turn the brim
uppermost, and with your fingers and thumb
work the brim into as nearly as possible to the
same shape it was before it was conformed ;
sometimes you will have to re-heat it to do this ;
experience will enable you to perform this work
quickly.

Silk hats are conformed in the same way, only
more heat is used, as it requires a greater amount
of heat to soften a silk hat than it does a derby.
44

DO NOT GET THE SILK HAT TOO SOFT.

In operating on a silk hat, be very careful not
to get it too soft, and when the foot tolicker is
used on one, always press in the direction the
nap lies, because if you rub both ways the silk
will be ruffled up.

In finishing the silk hat brush it straight and
smooth with a hot brim iron.

If you do not have a conformateur you should
have a long and a short set stick (Mast & Co.).

When the hat needs to be lengthened put some
tissue paper in the crown and heat the brim and
put in the long set stick, and screw out to de-
sired length ; work the brim with your fingers to
make it even, and if necessary put the ends on
the bench or set board and press the foot tol-
icker.

If the hat has to be made wide, proceed as
above and put the short set stick in the sides, and
screw to width required ; then fix brim smooth as
above.

In such cases as these, you will have to judge
the form of vour customer's head with vour eve.

HOW TO TELL GRADES.

The only way to learn to know the qualities of
hats is by comparison. Compare hats of which
vou know the price w^ith other hats of the same
45

t ^e. Note the trimming, bands and sweat leath-
ers and the work in the trimming, see whether
it is fine and neat or otherwise.

Few stiff hats below $24.00 per dozen have
"hand whipped leathers" or imported goat or calf
leathers. Note the ends of the bow of the band,
this is where you can best judge the quality.
Good bands are thick (not necessarily coarse-
ribbed) and silky. Poor bands are thin and
open, and by holding them sideways you can see
the cotton filling through the silk. Good bands
have even edges, and look clear ; poor bands are
of uneven edges and look streaky.

The gold dies on the leathers indicate a better
grade than silver ones. The gold or woven
stickers for the tip are of better value than the
silver ones. A good braid bow at the seam of
the leather adds to the appearance of the hat.

The better grades of stiff' hats are close on
the nap and not ''slacked'' or "lured" so much
as the coarser grades, which are longer on the
nap and ''lured" with grease to make them shine.
Look carefully at the stiff' hats to see if there
are any signs of stiffening on the surface, this
show^s on a hat sometimes like slickness on a
w^orn coat. Test the place by tapping it with
your finger nail. If it feels hard or looks glassy
it is the stiffening near the surface, and conse-
quentlv defective. Also trv the crowns bv
46

squeezing them slightly. If they feel hard and
brittle they are liable to break ; also hold the front
of the brim in your hand and shake it a little,
and you can then judge if it is pliable enough
not to break by handling, as some cheap grades
are very apt to do. In a derby hat I would give
preference to one with a higher grade of trim-
ming and a lower grade of stock, than the re-
verse.

SOFT HATS.

Only by experience in comparisons can you
get to know the grades of the hat itself. The
finest soft hats are like a piece of buckskin, so
close and tough that you can hardly distinguish
the hairs of which they are composed. They
are usually finished dull no glaze or shine, while
the coarser grades are softer with a flannely feel
and you can notice the coarser hair or fur of
their composition.

Some grades of fifteen and eighteen dollars
per dozen are filled with short stock and pounced
close on machines so as to give them a fine look
while they are new, and this sometimes deceives
the inexperienced ; but they soon come to pieces
in the w^ear, not being as durable even as the
longer stock hats at the same price.

47

Constantly compare hats of different makes of
the same price, and observe the different points
of felt, trimmings and color, the style, how the
brim is set, good curls or otherwise, if sweat
leathers are well stitched or giggered, and how
the trimmings, are put on.

Look inside the hat. A fine hat is short and
clothy inside, and looks as though it had not been
finished ; while some of the coarser stock are
either well finished inside by pouncing — which
you can easily tell — or contain long hairs.

All hats, soft or stiff, should be heavier or
thicker in the brim than on the crown. Soft hats
with thin brims will not give the customer sat-
isfaction in wear, for soft hats of $15.00 per
dozen and less cannot be made in wide brims so
as to hold their shape, especially if intended for
the South or West, where the wearer uses a hat
more roughly than in the East.

The sweat leathers sold as imported leathers
are much thicker and closer than those called
domestic, and cost nearly double the price.

To tell the grade of a band unravel it and no-
tice how thick the silk is and of what the filling
is composed ; and if the band is soft, flimsy, or
firmly woven. All these details go into the cost
of a hat, and consequently determines the qual-
ity.

48

All hats when received at the store should be
examined for defects, and to see if they are like
samples from which they were ordered.

When ordering hats by sample note the differ-
ent points of the sample and try to impress theni
in your mind. This requires practice, but after a
while you will become expert, and it is one of
the best means of getting a knowledge of the
points and grades of hats.

If you have the opportunity to carefully note
how a hat, which you have sold or worn yourself
looks after it has been worn a month or two,
you will learn something useful from it.

There are many hat makers who would learn
something about their own make of hats by
adopting this plan.

KNOCK DOWNS.

Knock Downs are hats which are defective
and are thrown out for that reason. The first
branch of the business in which "Knock Downs"
are detected is after they are sized. It is then
too late for them to be remedied, and are conse-
quently thrown out, mostly for having thin or
uneven places in them, or ''dags" caused by the
oversight on the part of the workmen.

The next most prolific source in which "Knock
Downs" are discovered is where thev are exam-
49

ined after finishing. The defects found here may
be as follows in stiff hats — for stiffening shown
on surface — brims too thin or too soft — ^dags or
''lightning rods," etc., in soft hats, dags, "light-
ning rods," weak places, or color, etc.

Seconds are mostly ''Knock Downs," or hats
which were intended for a certain grade and
failed to come up to the standard. These are
usually trimmed up cheaper and sold at a dis-
count.

CASSIMERES.

Cassimeres are hats made of felt in the shape
of a silk hat.

Up to the branch of finishing they are made
in a similar manner as a stiff hat or derby ; on
account, however, of being wider in the tip than
at the band, they are finished on a block com-
posed of three pieces ; the reason this block is
made in three pieces is to permit it being taken
apart so it can be removed from the inside of
the hat after it is finished.

These hats are covered with a cloth and ironed
by hand, then sandpapered, and lured like a
derby.

They are curled by hand with shackle and
iron, and set on the setting board.

50

There is a tip inserted and ironed to the in
side of the crown to strengthen it.

WOOL HATS.

Wool hats are now made ahiiost entirely by
machinery as follows : after the wool is washed
and dried, it is carded on a carding machine.

In ''forming" these hats the wool is fed into
a carding machine, coming out at the opposite
end in laps about eight inches wide, and is wrap-
ped round a double cone, which revolves on rol-
lers.

In order that two hats may be formed at one
time, the operator — as soon as sufficient quantity
of wool has accumulated on the rollers — divides
the double cone form with shears, and slips the
two forms from the rollers ; they are then taken
to a machine where they are hardened by the
operation of steam, and sized, generally in large
lots of twenty-four dozen and upwards in full-
ing machines, or "bumpers."

The subsequent processes are somewhat sim-
ilar to that used on fur hats. •

They are finished by sandpaper and "lured,"
much coarser sandpaper being used that what is
needed on fur hats.

51

PANAMA HATS.

Panama hats are not made in the United
States ; they are plaited by the natives of South
America, Cuba, Philippines, and Mexico, from
the fibres of a plant which grows in those coun-
tries.

The name is derived from the port of Panama,
which was about the first place from which this
class of hats was received.

Panama hats are somewhat of an "unknown
quantity," as their weaves and quality are so
varied ; the South American who understands the
hat business has taken advantage of our lack of
knowledge, and palmed off onto us so-called
Panama hats at about three times their actual
value ; this is the direct result of the average
North American thinking he knows the other
man's game better than the other man himself.

I have handled thousands of Panama hats, and
I assert that the closely woven cream ones are
the best, the finer the fibre the better the hat, yet
I have had hatmen tell me otherwise ;. some swear
by the heavy thick round South American fibre,
which are good wearing hats, but not the most
expensive.

There is also the hat w^ith an inserted top ; you

will notice on the inside a ring of raw ends

around the tip ; this style of hat is usually lined

to cover up those ends.
52

Some people like these hats because they are
soft and open, but they are not durable and lose
color.

There is another kind of heavy coarse fibre
hat of a light tan color ; these hats turn red on
being worn in a hot climate, and up to date no
means have been found to re-bleach them. It is
difficult to understand why people wear this kind
of a hat, as they are not sightly and are warmer
than a light fur hat.

WHAT TO DO TO PANAMAS.

For new hats, take a clean wet sponge, and
dampen the hat where you wish to change it, as,
for example, the brim, then by working it with
your fingers you can put it into almost any shape ;
when the desired shape has been formed, lay it

ALPINE SHAPE PANAMA.

53

carefully away until it is dry. To make it con-
form to the shape you desire, it can be pinned
to a board or box.

If the hat to be changed is like the cut, a
square crown can be made by wetting it inside
and putting in a stretch block, and expanding
the crown, after which four dents can be made
in it, or telescoped.

To roll a hat having a flatish brim, dampen it
and fix it in the shape desired, then let it dry.

To clean the Panama that is a little soiled, go
over it evenly with a clean wet sponge dipped
in flour of sulphur, let it dry, and brush ofif with
dry brush.

To renovate an old Panama it is necessary to
have the blocks and tools of a renovator (see
cover) ; take a soiled Panama, and first measure
it to ascertain size, using size ring (see cut),
then note its style, or what it is intended to be,
and width of band ; take ofif the trimming ; with
a brush wash the hat in warm water and soap,
rinse, and put it in an earthern jar or zinc trough
(not tin), containing ten gallons or more of cold
water, into w^hich dissolve one pound of oxalic
acid ; let it remain about three hours, then take
out and rinse, and dry, after which it is ready
to be blocked.

Blocking should be done by the aid of steam;
get the size of block required, and put on it a
54

piece of white tissue paper ; then puU the hat over
it and put a cord round it to keep it tight; go
over the hat with a wet sponge ; afterwards with
a sohition of white ghie dissolved in water to
about the consistency of thick cream, then take
a wet sponge and dip it in flour of sulphur, and
rub it all over the crown, after which put to dry ;
when nearly dry brush the sulphur off the hat
and remove from block; make creases if they are
required.

If you have flanges, put the brim on the flange
required, and cover with a damp cloth, and iron
until it is smooth and in proper shape.

If you do not have a flange, use a band block,
and iron the brim smooth on the bench under a
cloth ; then turn the edge to the shape wanted
with the iron, or shackle ; dampen the brim with
a wet sponge dipped in flour of sulphur ; set the
brim in required shape on set board, or other
board ; let it dry and then brush.

BRAIDED STRAW HATS.

There are many different kinds of braids used
to make the braided straw hats ; some braids are
made in China and Japan, others in England and
France.

The manufacturer purchases these braids from
some or all of the above sources, and prepares
55

them for bleaching by sewing them together as
follows : The braid is dampened for a few hours,
after which a few braids are sewn together by
hand, then by a machine ; the flat piece intended
for the crown is made a little larger than the tip
of the block for which it is intended ; it is then
bent over at the edges and the sides sewn ; after
which it is bent at right angle and the brim sewn
flat — always in a circle ; afterwards they are
dipped in a solution of glue to stiffen them, the
surplus being wiped off with a brush ; they are
then dried, and blocked by steam on plaster of
Paris or wooden blocks, and ironed over a cloth ;
some are flanged on a spelter flange in a press.

Nearly all women's and children's hats are
pressed in hydraulic presses.

The work of making these braided straw hats
is performed almost exclusivelv by women.

5()

TO CLEAN YACHTS AND OTHER
STRAWS.

To clean yacl.ts and other straw hats in a
small way, have two tumblers of clean water, and
into one put two large teaspoonfuls of hyposul-
phite of soda, and into the other two large tea-
spoonfuls of oxalic acid. Have a bucket of clean
water, a small box of flour of sulphur, two small
sponges, a nail brush, a piece of thin tin about
four by five inches bent a little to conform to the
side of a hat.

Take the hat, and with one of the sponges,
dipped in water, clean off as much of the dirt
as possible ; then use the brush and water, using
a little Ivory soap if necessary.

Dip one of the sponges in the hyposulphite of
soda and go over the hat with it ; take the other
sponge and dip it in the oxalic acid, and rub this
over the hat, beginning on the brim ; take the
piece of tin and hold it against the side of the
hat on the upper side of the brim to prevent the
oxalic acid touching the band of the hat, as the
acid would discolor it. When applying the acid
dip the sponge in the sulphur and rub a little on
the hat, as this has the effect of filling in the dark
places between the weave or braid.

When this is done put it on the Electric Hat

Cleaning Machine to dry, which will be done in
about forty seconds ; if you do not have a hat
cleaning machine, use heat for drying the hat,
and when dry brush with a dry brush, and it is
then finished.

BRIM OUT OF shape:.

If the brim of the hat is out of shape, proceed
as follows : if the brim is flat, lay it on the bench,
and wet the brim ; put a clean piece of cotton
drill on the brim and iron it with a hot iron ; if
the hat is broken stitch the place and put a little
of the white glue solution on the break, then
cover it with a cloth and iron over it ; if it is in
the crown, put a wad of paper inside, holding it
up with one hand, while you use the iron with
the other, having a cloth between the iron and
the hat.

If the break is in the brim, put the hat on the
bench and iron it, wetting the brim, but first cov-
ering it with a cloth.

BUYING HATS.

In buying hats beware of freak styles and odd
colors. When these are shown to you make a
mental calculation of how manv of them vou

58

could sell, and reflect as to what you would do
with the balance.

Go lightly on narrow-brimmed hats, soft or
stiff, as they are costly to remodel into salable
styles when they once get out of date.

High rolled brims in soft hats and very flat
brims in derbys may be regarded as freakish,
though there is a remedy for the latter style.

Freakish bands can be changed if the added
expense justifies it.

Do not buy wide brimmed soft hats in cheap
grades, except staples for country trade ; they do
not hold their shape.

CORK LINED HATS.

Cork tissue is stuck inside by means of gutta
percha tissue and applying a hot pad ; a sheet of
thin plaited straw is pressed over a block, by
steam or heat, held in place by a cord until the
edge is fastened by a sticker put around it; it is
trimmed up and put into a stiff hat. This is
called straw lined. This was done ^twenty-five
years ago.

59

TALKING HATS.

When you are selling hats Talk Hats ; don't
talk weather, theatre, or sports ; get the contents
of this book into your head, and entertain your
customer by telling him some of the various pro-
cesses which the particular hat you are showing
undergoes before it reaches the wearer ; it will
interest him and impress him with the idea that
you thoroughly understand your business, and he
will probably ever afterwards have confidence in
your judgment.

Customer (trying on soft hat) — But what
makes it so stiff?

Salesman — Well, you see, we have only just
received them from the factory, and they have
not yet had time to mellow ; all hats are stiff
right after being flanged ; it only just needs mel-
lowing up a little (takes it in his hand, rolls the
brim through his fingers several times) ; there,
it is all right now ; just the newness, that's all.

Customer — Price seems rather high for this
hat.

Salesman — Not when you notice the grade of
stock that is in it ; see how fine and close it is
felted ; no coarse hairs, and will wear like leather.
See this sweat leather? It is imported goat, the
best obtainable ; nothing like it for wearing, and
60

it gives a finish to the hat that cannot be ex-
celled.

Customer — Well, just put my old one in a
bag.

Customer (rushing in) says: Why, look at
this derby. I only bought it three days ago from
you, and it is all out of shape ; the hat must be
"no good."

Salesman' — Why, my dear sir, you have had
this hat too near a stove, or laid it on the radia-
tor ; you see, a stiff hat placed on anything hot
v^ill become softened and lose its shape. The
way they form the shape at the factories is while
they are hot ; now, if you will bring it around
and leave it I will have it put on the block for
you, and it will be all right ; there is no defect
in the hat.

HATS IN THE WINDOW.

Some salesmen have to be taught by experi-
ence that light colored hats can be ruined by let-
ting them remain too long a time in the window.

Always put the light hats in the shady places,
and turn them around so that the light will not
strike them on the same place all the time.

Stiff hat crowns should not rest on any hard
substance in the window ; if they do they will get
out of shape.

To restore the shape of all such hats, you
should have — for this and many other purposes
— a round crown block, about six and three-quar-
ter size, five inches deep ; put the hat on this
block and hold it to a heated tin or stove and
with the foot tolicker press the places back to
the original shape, or as nearly as possible, which
you can do very easily after trying a few times.

C^:S*=fi-

(i2

Electric Adjustable
4 Hat Cleaning
\ Machine.

INDISPENSABLE FOR

EVERY HATTER OR

HAT CLEANING

ESTABLISHMENT.

Used to Clean and Polish
Silk Hats, Derbys, Soft and
Straw Hats.

The latter after being
cleaned and put on the
machine are ready to be
worn after 30 seconds.

Takes any size Hat rrom
6 5-8 to 7 3-4. Can be
used on any small (fan)
motor

Price of
Machine,
0. Net.

IVIachine
and
IVIotor,
$20. Net.

WM. A. SGHNAUFFER,

60 Broadway, NEW YORK.

J. B. MAST & CO.,

Importers, Manufacturers and
Dealers in

HATTERS' GOODS
HATTERS' TOOLS

FOR ALL PURPOSES

HAT TRIMMING

OF ALL KINDS

HAT FIXTURES

FOR RETAILER OR JOBBER

WRITE US FOR ANYTHING YOU NEED IN
THE HAT LINE

22 West Fourth Street,
NEW YORK.

ti^K 5 I SOD